The one constant in the residential construction industry is change – home design, building methods, and even architectural styles stay in flux to meet customer needs and current trends. While large homes with spacious rooms were in vogue not so long ago, many buyers now prefer smaller units that are easier and less-expensive to maintain. Of course, lower mortgage payments are a consideration as well.
However, one trend may be here to stay: making homes as energy efficient as possible. A growing social awareness about the environment and the rising cost of energy has many prospective purchasers putting green construction methods at the top of their priority list when shopping for homes.
As a home owner, there are numerous methods for making your houses more energy efficient. One of the easiest is making the switch from fibreglass insulation to polyurethane spray foam. A few of the product’s advantages are:
· R-value – Spray foams unique composition allows it to provide more insulation value per square inch than fibreglass batts. A typical 4 inch exterior wall uses R-13 fibreglass insulation, but could achieve an R-value close to 20 with polyurethane spray foam.
· Permanence – Once applied, spray foam insulation is there to stay. There should never be a draft from the outside due to loose or missing insulation.
· Structural integrity – When polyurethane spray foam insulation dries, it can actually help tie the structural components of a home together.
· Moisture resistance – spray foam is more resistant to moisture damage, mold, and mildew than fibreglass insulation.
· Lower energy costs – A home insulated with spray foam and its higher R-value can result in a reduced load on its HVAC system. That usually translates to lower energy costs.
These are just a few of the reasons why switching to polyurethane spray foam might be a wise choice.